A US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah took effect on 27 November, halting 14 months of hostilities. The agreement mandates Hezbollah’s disarmament, Israel’s phased withdrawal from southern Lebanon, and Lebanese troops’ deployment under international monitoring.
The ceasefire stipulates that Hezbollah must disarm and vacate territories south of the Litani River, a key demarcation established after the 2006 conflict. Simultaneously, Israel has committed to a phased withdrawal from southern Lebanon within 60 days, with control of these areas transferring to Lebanese armed forces. An international delegation led by the US and France will oversee the agreement’s implementation.
“This is a brave step forward,” US President Joe Biden said at the White House. “The ceasefire holds the promise of being permanent. Hezbollah must no longer jeopardise Israel’s security.” Biden also stressed the US’s commitment to pursuing historic agreements in the Middle East, including Saudi-Israeli normalisation.
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati welcomed the development, urging swift international action. “We call on the global community to ensure Israel’s immediate compliance with the ceasefire,” Mikati said.
Hezbollah has not issued an official statement, but senior official Hassan Fadlallah remarked on Al-Jadid TV, “We support expanding the Lebanese government’s authority, and Hezbollah emerges from this war stronger than ever.”
International monitors led by the US and France will oversee compliance. UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed hope that the ceasefire will “end the violence, destruction, and suffering endured by both nations.” EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell called it a “relief” and urged its continuation to safeguard citizens and allow refugees to return.
Janine Hennis-Plasschaert, the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, welcomed the ceasefire in a statement, commending the parties for seizing the opportunity to end this devastating chapter.
Additionally, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baqaei described the agreement as ending “Israel’s aggression against Lebanon”, reiterating Tehran’s support for Hezbollah.
Meanwhile, Saudi-owned newspaper Al-Sharq Al-Awsat hailed the deal as a step towards regional stability. “The ceasefire is a turning point,” it wrote in an editorial. “Arab nations should leverage this moment to push for broader resolutions to enduring conflicts.”
Despite these developments, challenges remain. Provisions such as Hezbollah’s disarmament and the dismantling of its military infrastructure align with UN Security Council Resolution 1701 but face resistance. Questions linger about Lebanon’s ability to enforce these terms and Hezbollah’s long-term strategy.
The next 60 days will test the commitment of all parties to achieving lasting peace. For the residents of southern Lebanon and northern Israel, the ceasefire offers a fragile but much-needed respite from conflict.
